Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance

Background

As part of its efforts to support the change in housing needs for residents, the City of Chattanooga is developing an ordinance that could allow for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be built within certain locations of the city.

Historically, ADUs have been built throughout the city dating back to the early 1900’s. When the zoning ordinance was adopted in 1961, it prohibited ADUs. Currently, ADUs are only permitted in the downtown Form Based Code area that was adopted by City Council in 2016.

There has been a request from the development and homeowner community to allow ADUs in other areas of the city due to the increase in urban infill development and desire for a variety of housing types.

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a secondary residential unit built on the same lot as an existing home. ADUs are also referred to as granny flats, carriage houses or in-law suites.

ADUs can be created in a variety of ways, including conversion of a portion of an existing house such as a basement or attic, addition to an existing house, conversion of an existing garage or the construction of an entirely new building. They also can be used in many ways, including rental units, home offices, studios, guest houses, and housing for multi-generation households, offering flexibility to households living in single-family neighborhoods.

Benefits of ADUs include efficient use of existing developed land and public infrastructure, creation of affordable housing opportunities, increased income opportunity for home owners, and the opportunity to care for an elderly or disabled family member in an independent living arrangement.

Click here to view a video that was created by the City of Asheville with more information describing how an ADU can be used.

Public Input

Survey – The City would like the help of the citizens to get a better understanding of how property owners and residents of Chattanooga feel about Accessory Dwelling Units, so the Regional Planning Agency is conducting a survey. This survey allows residents the opportunity to provide input on whether or not ADUs should be allowed in areas outside the Form Based Code. The results of the survey will guide the RPA with drafting the ordinance to help ensure the ordinance maintains the character of local neighborhoods and does not create negative impacts.

The Regional Planning Agency staff presented to the City Council at an Agenda Session on Jan. 8th to discuss the progress of the ADU ordinance and get their feedback on adoption. Click here to download a video of the hearing.

The Regional Planning Agency staff presented to the City Council at an Agenda Session on Sept. 4th to discuss the proposal to draft an ADU ordinance. Click here to download a video of the hearing.

The RPA discussed the project with the City Council on Feb. 5th during their 1:30 p.m. Strategic Planning Meeting.

The RPA hosted a neighborhood meeting for residents of Council District 2 to discuss the Accessory Dwelling Unit project on March 13th.

Future Public Meetings

There are no public meetings scheduled at this time. If you have questions regarding this project or would like to schedule a neighborhood meeting with RPA staff to discuss the project, please contact Emily Wood, Principal Planner, at 423-643-5939 or ewood@chattanooga.gov

Draft ADU Ordinance

Boundary

The City is looking for input on where ADUs should be allowed within Chattanooga. For example, would the community like to see ADUs allowed in residential areas everywhere in the city, only where short-term vacation rentalsare allowed or within the Urban Overlay Zone? Regardless which boundary is selected, the proposed ADU regulations will not apply to the Form Based Code boundary (in red on maps below) because they are already allowed in this area.

Short-Term Vacation Rental Boundary

Urban Overlay Zone

City-Wide

Contact

If you have further questions or would like to share your feedback, contact the Regional Planning Agency or your local City Council representative. The staff is ready and willing to meet with you to discuss your questions or concerns, and wants to ensure that the Planning Commission and City Council have as much feedback as possible prior to making any final decisions on the ordinance.